Quick Answer: US Student Loan Services is a debt relief company that charges fees for student loan assistance, but federal student loan payment programs are available for free directly through the Department of Education. The author warns that many such companies use commissioned salespeople rather than trained educational advisors and often don’t inform consumers about free government alternatives.
A new debt relief company selling student loan debt help has come across my desk. I’d love to hear from you if you’ve used their service or have been through the sales presentation.
The company is US Student Loan Services and is on the web at usstudentloanconsolidation.org.
When new companies like this appear I’m really interested in your feedback on how well they did in matching the suggested goals laid out in my guide, How to Run a Clean Student Loan Assistance Program.
Every weekday I read the enforcement actions, filings and fine print the outlets skip, and turn them into the one or two moves that actually improve your position — a rate worth moving for, a fee you can refuse, a deadline to beat before it costs you.
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What I’m most worried about is if the people at this and most student loan assistance companies are commissioned sales people rather than independent non-commissed educational advisers with extensive training in student loan issues.
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Fees are a big concern as well. Often consumers with student loan debt are not told the federal student loan payment intervention services are available for free from the Department of Education. If anyone wants to pay a company like US Student Loan Services after they have been informed they can do it themselves for free, then that is the choice of the individual consumer to make.
I’m also very interested in seeing the client agreement this company uses. If you happen to have an electronic copy, you can upload it to me here to review. I’d be happy to take a look at it and give you my opinion of it before you sign.
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What Public Information Says
Here is what I do know about US Student Loan Services from public information.
The company was registered to do business in California on July 31, 2013 and the registered agent is Edward McTaggart.
Their mailing address is:
5838 Edison Place
Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
According to CorporationWiki:
US Student Loan Services Inc. filed as a Domestic for Profit Corporation in the State of Florida (Edward J. McTaggart) on Monday, January 07, 2013 and is approximately ten months old, as recorded in documents filed with Florida Department of State. The filing is currently active as of the last data refresh which occured on Sunday, September 01, 2013.
Key People
Edward McTaggart serves as the Director and has interests in other corporate entities including Catherine’s Childrens Home located in Carlsbad, CA . Edward’s past corporate affiliations include Credit Care Centers.
Joshua Valentine is the Director of US Student Loan Services Inc. – Source
An Edward McTaggart is also associated with Christian Credit Counselors, Inc. – Source
However according to the non-profit tax returns from 2011 the president is Gregory McTaggart. – Source
Coincidentally, the suite next to US Student Loan Services was used by Christian Credit Counselors and listed as their address. – Source, Source
5838 Edison Place
Suite 201
Carlsbad, CA 92008
So Let Me Know
I’m very interested in your experience with this student loan debt relief company. Just post your comments below and share your feedback.
Dealing With Debt? Understanding your options is the first step. See how all your debt relief options compare — including ones most sites won’t tell you about. The Find Your Path quiz gives a recommendation based on your actual numbers, and the Scam-O-Meter checks any company’s complaint history before you sign. Federal Reserve research shows bankruptcy filers recover faster than those who don’t file.
